GOOD STORIES THERE WASN’T TIME TO GET TO THIS WEEK

Back for its 2nd appearance, a NewEnergyNews Friday feature.

JAPAN TRIES EMISSIONS TRADING

Japan’s carbon trade targets to be voluntary: report
Chisa Fujioka (w/David Fox), September 15, 2008 (Reuters)

“Japanese companies taking part in a trial carbon trading system to be launched next month will work to voluntary reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions, rather than mandatory ones…The domestic scheme will allow companies exceeding their target to buy credits from companies below their limit, but steer clear of binding limits that have been opposed by big emitters such as steelmakers…”


EFFICIENCY MAKES SCIENTIFIC SENSE

Physicists urge U.S. to invest in energy efficiency
Renee Schoof, September 16, 2008 (McClatchy via Yahoo News)

“The U.S. can reduce its dependence on foreign oil and greenhouse-gas emissions by making cars and buildings much more energy efficient, according to a study released Tuesday by a large national association of physicists…the need for action is urgent because the energy crisis is the worst in U.S. history…”


ANOTHER WIN FOR GOOD GUYS IN THE WAR ON COAL

Cleared: Jury decides that threat of global warming justifies breaking the law
Michael McCarthy, 11 September (UK Independent)

“The threat of global warming is so great that campaigners were justified in causing more than £35,000 worth of damage to a coal-fired power station, a jury decided yesterday. In a verdict that will have shocked ministers and energy companies the jury at Maidstone Crown Court cleared six Greenpeace activists of criminal damage…Jurors accepted defence arguments that the six had a "lawful excuse" to damage property at Kingsnorth power station in Kent to prevent even greater damage caused by climate change…”


BLAME IT ON THE CARBON TAX

Canada PM Says Carbon Tax Will Cause Recession, Hurt Unity
Nirmala Menon, September 11, 2008 (Dow Jones Newswires via Nasdaq)
and
Carbon tax makes Campbell a ‘hero’; Dion praises B.C. premier at campaign stop in Burnaby
Doug Ward, September 13, 2008 (Vancouver Sun)

“Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said a plan by Liberal Party Leader Stephane Dion to tax the use of carbon-based energy would trigger a recession and re-ignite the pro-sovereignty movement in Quebec…”
and
“Liberal leader Stephane Dion campaigned in British Columbia Friday, unveiling a $575-million energy retrofit plan and declaring Premier Gordon Campbell a "hero" for implementing the first carbon tax in Canada…”


RUSSIA’S ENERGY INTENT?

Russia aims to corner energy market: U.S. official
Tabassum Zakaria (w/Ralph Boulton), September 8, 2008 (Reuters via Yahoo News)

“Russia aims to extend its control over energy deliveries to the West and it is important that European countries push forward on efforts to diversify routes for oil and gas supplies, a senior U.S. official said…Europe and the United States are concerned about transit routes for oil and gas through eastern European countries which are seen as alternatives to Russian supplies…”